Jing'an program revitalizes cultural centers

Downtown Jing'an District has renovated 42 community cultural centers with the intention of enriching the lives of local seniors and spurring interest in community affairs among the young.

The renovations are part of the district's ongoing "Grayvity" project (a combination of gravity and gray hair), which is meant to inject new life into aging neighborhoods and the lives of local elderly. "Grayvity" cultural centers are envisioned as sites where elders and youngsters can come together and share experiences.

According to the project designer, the Oriental Danology Institute, grassroots cultural centers have grown from venues offering basic cultural services to places combining functions such as senior care, child care and community schooling.

These sites also feature modern designs and amenities such as reading rooms, spacious activity rooms and other facilities based on local demands. They provide a platform for activities such as opera performances and health training classes, and visits from foreign artists.

The centers can awaken residents’ sense of belonging and foster more interaction among neighbors, according to Li Jingjing, co-founder of the institute.